At the heart of the Eastern Cape’s bustling Easter season, government officials, road users, and tourism stakeholders gathered at the Vulindlela Conference Centre in COEGA for the Tourism Safety Community Engagement and Easter Safety Campaign Blitz. With safety on South African roads becoming increasingly urgent, this campaign wasn’t just another public event—it was a call to action.
Distraction Kills: From TikTok to Texts
In the age of smartphones and social media, content creation is at an all-time high—but it’s also becoming a silent killer on our roads.
Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa raised serious concerns about drivers and passengers being glued to their phones, recording TikToks, livestreaming journeys, or answering messages behind the wheel. “It’s not just the drivers,” he said, “passengers too have a responsibility. When you distract a driver to get the perfect shot, you’re risking more than a bad selfie—you’re risking lives.”
South Africa: A Sobering Statistic
According to the World Health Organization, South Africa ranks fifth globally for alcohol consumption—a troubling statistic that continues to translate into lives lost on our roads. As the Easter weekend got underway, the stark reality hit home when an individual was arrested for drunk driving right in front of the safety campaign venue. “It’s ironic and tragic,” said the Deputy Minister. “We’re here to promote safety and people are still not getting the message.”
The R335 Road Upgrade and SANRAL’s Digital Push
In a move towards safer, better roads, the Department of Transport, in partnership with SANRAL, is investing millions to upgrade the R335 route over the next three years. These improvements are part of a larger plan to support both tourism and everyday travel.
Travellers are also encouraged to use the SANRAL App to report potholes, with over 45,000 potholes already reported and logged. This digital platform is one of many tools empowering South Africans to take safety into their own hands—one click at a time.
Law Enforcement Steps Up
There was a strong sense of collaboration between traffic authorities and community leaders at the event. Deputy Ministers from various portfolios, including Tourism and Public Service, united to support a change in attitude toward road safety and responsible travel. “It’s not just about enforcing laws anymore,” said Deputy Minister Hlengwa. “It’s about changing mindsets.”
Choose Responsibility Over Virality
The campaign also sends a clear message to influencers and content creators: Choose responsibility over virality. While creative expression is encouraged, it should never come at the expense of someone’s life. That viral moment is not worth the wreckage it could cause.
A Safer Road Leads to a Safer South Africa
This campaign isn’t only about reducing accidents. It’s about boosting tourism, encouraging economic growth, and creating a culture of safety that benefits every citizen. Whether you’re behind the wheel, in the passenger seat, or on the pavement—safety is a shared responsibility.
Tourism and Community Safety Go Hand-in-Hand
Deputy Minister of Tourism Makhotso Sotyu emphasized that safety is directly linked to economic growth. “Visitors need to feel safe when visiting other cities. If people are not safe, they will not visit—which means no tourism, and no jobs,” she said. Sotyu encouraged all communities to actively work with law enforcement to report crime and create safer cities—not only for travellers, but also for the benefit of local businesses and future investors.
